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Bayern Munich's Bundesliga match against Bochum had to be halted on two occasions and the players were taken off as objects were thrown on the field.

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• Bayern game stopped in both halves
• Players taken off the field and down tunnel
• Fans lobbed tennis balls onto the pitch

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The game was stopped after 25 minutes as fans lobbed tennis balls from the stands. Although it was allowed to resume, it was halted again just nine minutes into the second half and the players were taken down the tunnel. Play started up again around 10 minutes later.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  German football matches have been stopped regularly in recent weeks as part of an ongoing protest involving throwing tennis balls, gold chocolate coins and apples onto the field to voice their anger against foreign investment in the German top-flight. The fans are demanding an end to a controversial plan from the league to sell a stake of future revenue to a private equity investor. The campaign to stop it was given a boost this week when prospective buyer Blackstone dropped out of talks. However, there remains one more leading candidate in the shape of CVC Capital Partners.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Bayern were 1-0 up through a Jamal Musiala goal in the Bundesliga clash when the initial interruption occurred. Play was disrupted less than 10 minutes after Harry Kane missed a golden opportunity to double their lead. The striker was sent through on goal by an incredible pass from Musiala but his effort went sailing over the bar.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  After the restart, Bochum managed to pick up some momentum and went on to equalise through Takuma Asano before Keven Schlotterbeck put his team ahead just before half-time. Things took a turn for the worse after the second interruption as Dayot Upamecano was sent off in a second consecutive game and Kevin Stoger scored a penalty to make it 3-1. Kane eventually got a late goal to pull one back for Bayern, but the damage had already been done and they sustained a third consecutive defeat after the recent losses to Bayer Leverkusen and Lazio.

New York City FC star and USMNT hopeful Kevin O’Toole believes facing Inter Miami talisman Lionel Messi will be “easier” second time around.

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• 2024 season underway in the States
• New York City face a trip to Florida
• Star in Big Apple is eager to impress

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The New Jersey native has previously lined up against eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi in a friendly fixture, but will see MLS points put on the line when they are reunited at Chase Stadium on March 30. O’Toole feels better prepared for the challenges that he will face that day, having already seen the Argentine GOAT up close.

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  WHAT O'TOOLE SAID ABOUT MESSI

  O’Toole has told : “It was surreal playing against Messi. It was during a friendly so it was good to get the jitters out the way, and the excitement of playing against someone who has achieved so much in a non-competitive match. I'll be reflecting on it for a while. It was such a big accomplishment to share the field with him. The fact the game didn't have meaning, in the sense it wasn't going to influence our season, meant I was able to appreciate the moment a lot more. We play Inter Miami again in a few weeks so I expect it'll be easier to get into the zone.”

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  O’Toole is eager to catch the eye this season, particularly when operating under the brightest of spotlights, as he is looking to fulfil an international dream. He is eligible for the United States and Republic of Ireland, with the versatile 25-year-old hoping that a call from either will arrive at some stage. He added on future goals: “If any team, the U.S. or Ireland, gave me the opportunity to play with them on an international level, I would jump at it. I want to test myself at that level. It'd be so cool to wear a shirt for a country my family is from or where I was born. I wouldn't necessarily commit to one or the other because the U.S. and Ireland both mean so much to me.”

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  New York City drafted O’Toole in 2022 and have seen him become an important part of their plans. He has spent time in the academy ranks of the New York Red Bulls before making it as a professional able to operate in defence, midfield and attack.

As we have known for some time now, Manchester United are interested in bringing Napoli’s Nigerian striker, Victor Osimhen, to Old Trafford this summer.

And the latest reports denote good news for United.

What’s the word?

As per a report from Sport Witness, who have relayed claims from La Repubblica, United have made the “most important offer” to Napoli, essentially landing them in a positive position to sign the 23-year-old.

Just last week, it was declared by La Repubblica that the Old Trafford outfit were in “pole position” to land the Nigerian’s signature, and recent reports paint that same picture in greater detail.

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Whilst AC Milan are said to have joined the chase for Osimhen, United at this point have made the Naples outfit the best offer.

In the same report, it is said that Osimhen will not be allowed to leave for less than €100m (£85.4m).

Lewandowski alternative

With Edinson Cavani set to leave as a free agent, United lack depth in those central attacking areas, so a move makes sense on multiple levels.

Though, the swoop could perhaps appear to be even more significant, with Osimhen’s numbers over the last year similar to that of Robert Lewandowski (as per FBref) – who also looks as though he will be on the move this summer.

Whilst Osimhen’s goal returns are solid, having scored 50 goals in 46 appearances across all competitions.

Though, the signs are there for Osimhen, who, with an average of 4.02 shots per 90, takes around the same amount of shots per game as Lewandowski who registers an average of 4.34 shots per 90.

His average goals per match are also not far off, despite the contrasting tallies that were mentioned earlier. Osimhen registers an average of 0.70 for goals per 90, with the 33-year-old Lewandowski registering an average of 1.13 – essentially guaranteeing him a goal each game.

A bid for the 23-year-old “lion”,”, as described by Yomi Kazeem, would be astute from Ten Hag, who may feel he can turn the striker into a superstar, given his already astonishing foundation.

In other news: MUFC ready to make “concrete offer” to sign “magnificent” £35m gem, it’s exciting news 

Sky Sports pundit Paul Robinson has claimed that Ryan Kent could now leave Glasgow Rangers this summer.

The Lowdown: Premier League interest

After their exploits in the Europa League, a few of the Teddy Bears’ most valuable stars are likely to attract interest, notably from the Premier League.

Calvin Bassey has already been strongly linked with a move away from Ibrox, with Aston Villa among a number of clubs thought to be interested in his signature, and he will not be the only player in Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s squad who will be eyed by the riches of the English top flight.

Indeed, Kent has already been linked with moves to the likes of Leeds United and Everton in recent weeks.

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The Latest: Kent tipped for Rangers exit

Speaking to Football Insider, Robinson has claimed that Kent could well follow Bassey and others out the door at Ibrox.

The former Premier League goalkeeper said of the ex-Liverpool winger: “This could be the window where he leaves. I think Rangers will receive an offer too good to turn down.

“Kent has had an unbelievable season once again. I know he hasn’t got the goals but he’s still been fantastic. He has put in some performances in big games.

“I’m sure there’ll be offers on the table for him. I don’t think Rangers will be able to turn them down.

“Kent will have ambitions to play in the Premier League at the top level. They were so close to getting Champions League football and I think that would make all the difference.

“Will competing for the Scottish title and the Europa League be enough for Kent? I’m not sure. It might not be enough. The lure of the Premier League might be too big.”

The Verdict: Worrying

As Robinson has suggested, the lure of the Premier League might be too big for Kent to turn down, which will come as a huge worry for the Light Blues and their supporters.

As mentioned above, both Leeds and Everton are reportedly eyeing moves for him; and at 25 years of age, he may not get a better chance in his career to play at the top level in England.

Nonetheless, the Gers need to try and keep hold of him at all costs, given his 23 goal contributions this season. However, if they are resigned to letting him leave, then they must demand the highest fee possible for his services, given how difficult he could be to replace.

In other news, find out what ‘huge’ boost Rangers are now set to enjoy

With Liverpool admirably battling back from an at one stage 14 point deficit to take the 2021/22 Premier League title race right down to the wire with Manchester City, it needed the final ten minutes of action to finally separate Jurgen Klopp and Pep Guardiola’s sides, with the latter eventually winning out as they fought back from two goals behind in the game against Aston Villa to secure this years title by a single point.

For Liverpool, this is not the time to dwell on the obvious disappointment the team, and the fans will feel, from running the expensively assembled City squad right to the end of the campaign and then missing out by a single goal, as their full focus needs to be on their preparation for this coming Saturday’s Champions League Final against Real Madrid at the Stade de France.

With former England winger Steve McManaman knowing both clubs well from his time with each of them, he has conducted a couple of good interviews with Betway this week, explaining his memory of the competition and his own experiences in major show piece finals.

The media have certainly latched to the history between both sides here, with Liverpool losing out four years ago against the same opponents, but Liverpool also have a history with new manager Carlo Ancelotti given their clashes against AC Milan and Roma in previous years.

Both Egyptian wizard Mohamed Salah and Ancelotti himself have acknowledged that there might be a bit of needle between the sides given the history.  Salah said ahead of Madrid’s semi final clash:

“I want to play Madrid, I have to be honest. City are a really tough team, we played against them a few times this season. I think personally, I would prefer Madrid. We lost in the final to them so I want to play against them and hopefully win it.”

Adding after Real were confirmed as Final opponents:

“We have a score to settle.”

When asked about his words, Ancelotti answered.

“We have met many times. Losing with them was a tragedy with Roma in 1984 and 2005. Then the revenge, which Salah says, in 2007. I respect him a lot. One of the best experiences of my career is seeing the push Bernabeu or Anfield. In addition to the beautiful experience of being rivals with Everton. I like their history, that of Paisley, they have six Champions Leagues, only one less than Milan…that’s an extra motivation too. My Milanist friends tell me don’t let them reach seven.”

With mind games afoot, Klopp took a different approach when he met with press on Wednesday afternoon, rubbishing suggestions that revenge for 2018 would be a driver for his side.

“This was a harsh night for us – it was tough to take. But I don’t believe in revenge or think revenge is a fantastic idea. I understand what Mo said – he wants to put it right. But in Germany we say you always meet twice in life. If we get the chance to win it this time it will be a great story, but it will not be because of what happened in 2018.”

Whatever now happens, the stage is set for the Final to be quite the spectacle with the calibre of players that will be on show, and each side has players that are more than capable of winning it – so the neutrals should be in for a fantastic affair.

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Leeds United are interested in a deal to bring Rasmus Kristensen to Elland Road in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to Phil Hay’s latest report for The Athletic, in which the journalist claims that, with Luke Ayling and Stuart Dallas both having lengthy spells on the sidelines ahead of them, Jesse Marsch is interested in the signing of a new right-back in the summer market – with Red Bull Salzburg’s Rasmus Kristensen believed to be a top target of the 48-year-old.

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Hay goes on to state that the Whites have been closely following the 24-year-old in recent months ahead of a potential move this summer, while Brentford and Borussia Dortmund are also mentioned as interested parties in the Denmark international – for whom Salzburg are believed to be demanding a £10m fee in order to part with in the coming weeks.

“Absolute leader”

Considering Marsch’s lack of depth on the right of his Leeds backline, coupled with the fact the American has a previous relationship with Kristensen, it is easy to see why the Whites would be interested in a move for the Dane this summer.

Indeed, over his 29 Austrian Bundesliga appearances this season, the £13.5m-rated full-back highly impressed, scoring seven goals, registering four assists and creating seven big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.4 shots, making 1.2 key passes and completing 1.3 dribbles per game.

The £14k-per-week defender also impressed in metrics more typical of his position, helping Salzburg keep 13 clean sheets, in addition to making an average of 1.1 interceptions, 1.3 tackles, 1.4 clearances, 36.1 passes, 4.3 long balls and winning 5.7 duels – at a success rate of 60% – per fixture.

These returns saw the player who Matthias Jaissle dubbed an “absolute leader” average a rather breathtaking SofaScore match rating of 7.31, not only ranking him as Salzburg’s second-best performer in the league but also as the fourth-best player in the division as a whole.

As such, it is clear to see just how impressive a signing the former Ajax starlet – who broke Michael Laudrup’s win percentage record during his time in the Netherlands – would be for Orta to get over the line this summer, as Kristensen’s presence on the right of Marsch’s backline would undoubtedly be a terrifying prospect for left-wingers up and down the country.

AND in other news: Leeds eyeing bid for “unreal” £20k-p/w talent, he’d be an “absolutely beauty” for Orta

Aston Villa have been heavily linked with Brighton midfielder Yves Bissouma in recent months and it now seems as if they are among the favourites to sign the Malian this summer.

What’s the word?

After seeing a bid for the 25-year-old rejected by the Seagulls in January, it seems as if Steven Gerrard has reignited his interest in the former Lille man as he looks to strengthen his midfield options ahead of next season.

Although previous reports have suggested that he could cost as much as £70m and that Monaco were ready to submit a bid, journalist Dean Jones has claimed that Villa could be the favourites to bring him in over Tottenham Hotspur, who have also been credited with an interest.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “They’ll [Tottenham] have massive competition to sign Bissouma and it seems that he’s probably further along in negotiations with other clubs.

“Somebody like Aston Villa might already be in the lead with trying to get him.”

Should Villa sign Bissouma?

Of the Brighton players to make more than ten appearances in the Premier League last season, Bissouma was the top performer for Graham Potter’s side according to WhoScored, as they secured their highest-ever finish in the top flight.

This emphasises how important he is to the Seagulls and demonstrates why they value him so highly, but if Villa were able to convince him to make the move north, then they could have a top Premier League midfielder on their hands for potentially the next eight to ten years.

After an instrumental performance in a 1-0 win against Spurs last season, Potter sang the midfielder’s praises, saying:

“It is hard when you have a team performance like we did to single anyone out but tactically he was really good. He understood when to cover, release, put pressure on, and then you can see his qualities. His high-end actions are Champions League level. I think you saw the full array of his quality.”

If Villa do have European ambitions for next season, which their early signings suggest they do, then bringing in Bissouma could give them the extra quality in midfield they need to really push for a European spot, so supporters will surely be excited by this latest update from Jones.

And, in other news… Forget Suarez: Gerrard should unleash Villa’s “unsung hero” next season

Leeds United have been handed a huge boost in their bid to bring Marc Roca to Elland Road in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a recent report by German publication BILD, who claimed that Bayern Munich are willing to part with the midfielder this summer, as long as they receive an offer in the region of €9m (£7.5m). That’s £2.5m lower than the Daily Mail had initially claimed the Bundesliga champions were demanding.

BILD went on to state that the former Spain under-21 international is said to be open to a move away from the Allianz Arena in the coming weeks, as he would like to join a team who can offer him regular first-team minutes next season.

“Ridiculously talented”

While it is true that Roca’s career has somewhat stagnated since his €15m (£13m) move from Espanyol in October 2020, it is undeniable that, under the management of a coach who knows how to best utilise his skillset, the 25-year-old could become an incredibly dangerous weapon in the heart of the pitch.

He made just 13 appearances in the Bundesliga and Champions League in 2021/22, but according to FBRef data, the £6.3m-rated talent still ranks in the top 8% of midfielders in Europe’s big five leagues for passes attempted per 90, as well as the top 13% for pass completion, the top 13% for progressive passes and the top 30% for progressive carries over the past 12 months.

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The £31k-per-week midfielder also ranks in the top 7% for pressures per 90, the top 21% for interceptions, the top 34% for blocks and the top 43% for tackles over the last 365 days.

As such, it is easy to see why ESPN’s David Cartlidge recently stated his belief that Roca was “on the verge of something very special” prior to his move to Bayern, while it is also evident as to why the journalist believes the 25-year-old is a “ridiculously talented player.”

It very much appears as if Orta has now been given the green light to move for the Spaniard this summer, so if the sporting director can get a £7.5m deal over the line for Roca, he would not only have landed a potential bargain but also added an extremely gifted footballer to Jesse Marsch’s midfield ranks ahead of Leeds’ upcoming Premier League campaign.

AND in other news: Huge Leeds United transfer twist now emerges in £17m deal, Jesse Marsch will be fuming

West Bromwich Albion are set to play the waiting game over a move for Leicester City midfielder, Hamza Choudhury.

What’s the word?

That is according to a report from Birmingham Mail, who claim that Steve Bruce’s side are interested in signing the 24-year-old on loan, but will have to wait until later in the transfer window if they are to “win the race.”

As per the report, the reason for the wait is due to a number of components, from Brendan Rodgers’ own recruitment plans at Leicester City, to the uncertainty surrounding the future of Youri Tielemans who could yet secure a move away from the King Power Stadium before the end of the window.

As such, Choudhury faces a waiting game himself, to find out whether or not he will find himself in the immediate first team plans of the Leicester boss.

It is also said that Bruce is interested in adding a “number of other players” to his squad, despite already securing the free transfer of John Swift.

An astute move

A move for £61k-per-week Choudhury, albeit on a loan deal represents a serious statement of intent from the perspective of Bruce, who seems determined to guide the Baggies back to the promised land that is the Premier League.

The 24-year-old had a breakout season just two seasons ago, making 20 Premier League appearances for Rodgers back in the 2019/20 campaign. Though, his game time has consistently worsened in the two seasons since, with the former England U21 international making just 16 appearances over the last two seasons combined.

At the age of 24, he may look to take inspiration from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who managed to break into the Leicester City first-team last season, following a successful loan spell at Luton Town, and instead seize an opportunity to play for Bruce’s Baggies.

He could certainly offer a lot to the engine room, having garnered Premier League experience already and seemingly possesses a touch of class whilst also being capable of scoring a “gorgeous goal” as put by Gary Lineker.

It’s that kind of all-round sparkle that would make this a rather exceptional signing for Bruce and his Albion side.

In other news: Bruce can form “clinical” duo as West Brom eye swoop for “impressive” £5.4m-rated wiz

Leeds United have been linked with a move for Romeo Lavia this week…

What’s the word?

That’s according to The Athletic’s Dan Sheldon, who delivered the transfer claim via Twitter.

He said: “Excl: Southampton and Leeds are interested in Manchester City midfielder Romeo Lavia. He made his senior debut last season & is thought to be one of the most talented young players in his position.”

It remains to be seen how much the 18-year-old gem would command but the Yorkshire side are facing stiff competition from Premier League rivals Southampton.

Perfect for Marsch

Lavia is thought to be a hugely-talented holding midfielder, one who could one day cut it in the champions’ first-team squad, but Pep Guardiola’s side may not be able to refuse a fee at this stage with so many other options ahead of him right now.

The Belgium-born teenager has certainly impressed in the academy ranks, even catching the eye of former City centre-back and skipper Vincent Kompany.

“When Romeo was still training here with the A-squad, he showed he was very eager to learn and willing to listen. He picked up a lot and showed that he is aggressive in recovering the ball and while also being calm on the ball,” the new Burnley manager said (via Inside Futbol).

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Whilst he has featured twice for the senior side, Lavia has racked up 58 appearances across the U18s, U19s and U23s at the Etihad Stadium, as per Transfermarkt.

One of those first-team matches saw the Manchester Evening News compare him to the departing Fernandinho, writing: “[He] clearly likes a tackle, and his passes over the top and through the lines were Fernandinho-esque”.

The “highly rated” gem would surely be a perfect fit for Leeds manager Jesse Marsch, and potentially a long-term upgrade to the engine room, where the likes of Mateusz Klich have faltered with their form in recent months.

With the addition of Lavia, the American head coach could force the regressing Pole out of the starting XI heading into the 2022/23 campaign. His mantra is that “being more aggressive is always better than being more passive”, and that’s something he wants to bring to Leeds.

He can do so with the addition of the Man City starlet.

Victor Orta and co must deliver on this front, as Marsch would surely love to have Lavia in his ranks.

AND in other news, The Athletic drop Kalvin Phillips transfer claim…